Overview
- Cancer Research UK published analysis in late May 2026 showing 20,980 people were diagnosed with melanoma in 2022 and projecting about 26,500 cases a year by 2040.
- Nearly nine in ten UK melanomas are attributed to excess ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or sunbeds, and using a sunbed before age 35 increases melanoma risk by roughly 75%.
- A bank‑holiday heatwave triggered UKHSA and Met Office heat‑health alerts and led local NHS teams, notably in Cumbria, to warn that there is no safe limit to sun exposure.
- Public‑health advice emphasises prevention and early detection: use at least SPF 30 sunscreen with strong UVA protection, seek shade when the UV index is high, cover up, and check moles using the ABCDE method.
- Ministers opened a consultation in May 2026 on tighter sunbed rules including staff‑present requirements and mandatory ID checks for young users while charities say behaviour change could prevent most future cases.